DOGS
The Borough Inspector's Office is responsible for dealing with issues relating to dog control, including dog licensing, stray dogs, complaints about barking dogs and dog fouling.
The Office also promotes responsible dog ownership through education classes and in partnership with other bodies, such as The Dogs Trust.
New Dog Legislation
The rules for owning and keeping dogs have changed in Northern Ireland, as a result of new legislation (Dogs (Amendment) Act (NI) 2011). So how will the changes affect dog owners?
Dog Licences
Every dog must have a licence and this has not changed, but the cost of a dog licence increased in some cases. The fees for different types of licence are given in the table below.
| Licence Fee Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Any 'assistance dog' will be exempt | £0 |
| Over 65s First Dog | £0 |
| Over 65s Subsequent Dogs | £5 |
| Concessionary rate for owners on Means Tested Benefits | £5 |
| Any dog which is neutered | £5 |
| Normal licence | £12.50 |
| Block licence (qualifying conditions apply) | £32.00 |
Remember: even if you do not have to pay a fee, the law says you must still have a licence for your dog.
Fixed Penalty Notices and Court Fines
The Council can already issue Fixed Penalty Notices (a type of fine) if a dog strays, fouls, does not have a valid licence or does not have its licence tag and identification tag on display.
The cost of a Fixed Penalty Notice in Ards for dog fouling is £50 and for other offences is £75, discounted to £60 if paid within 14 days.
The maximum fine that a court can give if you are prosecuted for a dog-related offence will be £1,000.
Microchipping
'Microchipping' involves having an identification tag inserted painlessly into your dog, making the job of returning pets to their owners much easier should they stray or get lost.
From March 2012 onwards, when you apply to renew your dog licence, you must also show that your dog has been microchipped.
Other Changes
Other changes to the law mean the Council now also has more powers to take action against irresponsible dog owners. Dog on dog attacks and dog on domestic animal attacks can also be investigated - and prosecuted - along with dog attacks on people.
If you would like any further information about the changes to dog legislation or about any dog control issue, please contact the Borough Inspector's Office, Ards Borough Council, Tel: 028 9182 4005, E: ards@ards-council.gov.uk
Related pages:
Apply for a dog licence on-line
Barking Dogs
Borough Inspector's Office
Dog Attacks
Dog Fouling
Dog Licensing
Register guard dog kennels